Figure Flattering Clothes for Women
| It's unfortunate that the world of fashion tends to latch onto a body type and make that its standard of beauty for a decade or so. When that happens, masses of women are led to believe that, because their shapes are not in vogue, they are not beautiful. Take comfort in history, ladies, and see that bodies of all shapes and sizes were at one time (and will again be) sexy. The trick is in the packaging--what you choose to emphasise, and what you choose to ignore. It's a great idea to Google a few starlets who have the same body type as you, like Audrey or Marilyn, and take a few notes on how they were dressed; chances are, the smoke and mirrors of clothing was half of their appeal. You can also take a look at this quick guide for ideas on how to dress up (or down) your various assets. And then, if it's a special occasion you're dolling up for, check out our Guide to Holiday Dressing. Finally, never underestimate the figure-enhancing power of good undergarments. Full figured girls especially should look into ShopWiki's guide to Bras. | Are you an Audrey?...
| ...Or a Marilyn?
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What's Your Type?
Body type, that is. The best way to find out is (gasp) take a good look at your body. I know, painful, but necessary. Strip, get in front of a mirror, and for God's sake take your hands away from your eyes. Now that you're looking, if you haven't passed out, ask yourself the following questions:
| Where am I slim? Arms? Legs? Midsection (you lucky cow)?
Okay, so now's the time to get the "fruit" of your labour and find which body type you are. |
Pear
- If you tend to carry weight lower on your body (hips, thighs, buttocks), you're a pear shape. Shoulders, arms, and waist should probably be your focal point, and your clothing goal should be to add balance by adding weight to your upper half (as in, no spaghetti strapped tops with tight trousers--eesh). Here are a few basics that might work for you:
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Gathered/Ruched/Smocked Tops When it comes to pear shapes, generally the more crap going on up top, the better. Not only will details like ruching, smocking, gathering, puckering, ruffles, pockets, etc. draw the eye up and away from your bottom, they'll fill our you top. And the more volume it looks like you have on top, the less (by comparison) it looks like you have in your bottom. |
These little numbers skim gracefully over your lower half but don't balloon out far enough to make you look any bigger. Just make sure that you combine and A-line with a top that doesn't shrink your shoulders (such as a halter), instead choosing a shirt that opens up your chest and preferably shows a little skin. Something scoop or off the shoulder would look great. |
Use your judgement here; too tight and you'll look like a cased sausage, too loose and your bottom half will look extra bulky. Go for a close fit with a thick fabric to combat both of these issues, and for proportional purposes, pair your skirt with a loose blouse that comes in at the waist. There, perfect! |
One or two button closure on a blazer means more attention and more bulk at the bust, and the puff sleeves and interesting texture of this model ensure the attention is all up top. Wear it over a dark pencil skirt, or with trousers and layered over a longer-cut top. Cute and camouflaging! |
This draws the eye upwards, and away from your bottom. It can also help fill out your top, especially when combined with rolled sleeves and a collar, like the pictured shirt. For a bold, yet slim look, try layering a loose, patterned, longer cut top over a fitted solid and dark trousers. Your little waist will be on display, but the patterned top will give you coverage for you bottom and the visual interest to keep eyes up. | Dark Bottoms Vice versa of patterned tops; removes the attention from your trouble areas. As for fit, try a boot-cut, which can give you a balanced, hour-glass effect between your hips and calves, or a wide leg that hits your widest part and drops straight down from there. Whatever look you choose, avoid skinny cut jeans like the plague, or risk looking like a walking ice cream cone. |
Apple
- If you carry weight higher up (arms, chest, stomach), you're an apple. You'll want to camouflage bulky arms, streamline your middle, and be sure your bust is well supported (so that it doesn't sink into your tummy). It's also a good idea to focus on adding more bulk to your lower half, and create a waist for a more balanced look. Here are a few pieces that might work for you:
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A top with a waist that hits just under your bust will whittle your middle at its smallest point, then float out and away from your belly. Pair it with wide set, thick shoulder straps and you've created a great hourglass shape. And if you've got a V-neck, big points for defining the bust! |
This little number is the perfect way to ignore your tummy and arms and focus on one of your better assets; legs. Be sure the dress is cut high on the leg (especially if your arms are covered--the tent look only works with a bit of skin) and dial up the chic with a pair of heels. Also, look for details at the neckline and shoulders to draw the eye up. |
A peasant top has two great features for your body: a loose fit at the torso and arms, and a low neck to showcase your décolletage. Just be sure you don't break any public decency laws with your chest (a little cami is perfect for that) and pair the top with something slim and simple on bottom (see Boot-cut Jeans). |
A blazer that buttons high up the torso will prevent that "busting out" look that can happen around the chest with a one or two button jacket, and simultaneously work wonders for your figure since1. the fabric is heavy enough to glide over lumps and bumps, and 2. it's close fitting enough to define your waist. Combine with something full on bottom, like a pencil skirt with side pockets or wide leg trousers, to complete the look. |
You may be tempted to show off your fabulous gams with a pair of skinny jeans, but do so at the risk of looking like a popsicle on a stick. Instead, achieve balance with a slightly flared leg, and divide and conquer your middle with a rise that hits just below the belly-button. Any higher and you'll add more volume that area; any lower, and you'll be pouring out over your waist band. | Loud bottoms Speaking of trousers, feel free to go a little crazy with them; widening patterns can only help balance you, and paired with something solid and dark on top (always a good idea for your body type), even plaid won't be too much. Just stay away from floral patterns. It's not a question of shape; it's that floral is... no. |
Banana
- If you're skinny all over, you probably want to look more womanly. The fabrics and cuts you choose (where they fit closely to your body and where they flare out) will make all the difference in creating a feminine hour glass shape. But don't be afraid to pull an Audrey and flaunt your angular back and shoulders, or play up your pixie legs with skinny trousers (did you see those Gap commercials? So chic). Here are a few good pieces for you (although you should know, you can get away with wearing a lot):
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The stance of a blazer is not an issue for you; making sure it's not boxy is. To keep things curvy, cut out a waist with a belt, or choose a jacket with a peplum at the bottom, or puff/capped sleeves or shoulder pads on top. And remember, your arms are one of your best features, so fit for that area too to be sure you're making the most of your assets. |
You probably have a small bust, so fitting a heavy duty, supportive bra under a top is not an issue--nor is the issue of proportion. So go as bare as you like around the neck and shoulders, and use pretty details around the bust to show off your delicate curves there. | Showing Some Arm and Leg As said before, arms are definitely one of your good points, as are your legs, so why not get in a one-two punch with a sleeveless top tucked into a slim, above-the-knee skirt? The close fit of the waist-band on the skirt will give you an hour glass dip, while ruffles, gathers, and a pattern will draw eyes up to your shoulders. Très chic. |
Few body types can get away with a drop waist, so we at ShopWiki feel you should take full advantage. A slim fit will prove that you do, in fact, have a waist where one should be, but a flare around the hips will give you outrageous curves. Embellishment at the bust will balance the look--especially a sweetheart neckline. Just check out the picture. |
Your body can look too rectangular in an unstructured dress, even though you may be tempted to go thin and clingy with your slim frame. Instead, opt for structure: a clear nip at the waist and then a flare will ensure you look like a woman in your dress, not a little girl. Then you may go as carefree and bare as you like with straps (or lack there of) and the amout of leg you show. |
A cardigan is a very versatile piece, but unfortunately, a little difficult to wear with hips or a tummy. Since your problem is lack of these things, a cardigan will lie perfectly smooth on you, and may be just the thing to contrast that full skirted dress with. Or, play up your straight look with skinny jeans; you'll look like a gazelle with your lanky arms and legs. |
Pearapple?
- If you're curvy all over, your general need will be to streamline your little lumps and bumps and create a smooth line. Go for clothes that define your waist and flatter your bust, and if the fit and fabric are right, don't be afraid to go a little tight (Marilyn would be proud).
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Play up your best asset with a corset-waist skirt. Not only will it further whittle and define the area, it will guarantee that all eyes are on it. |
V-necks generally look great on larger-busted girls, and since the neckline emphasizes shoulder-to-waist-to-hip ratio, you'll look especially lean and balanced. Pair with a pencil skirt for a classic Marilyn moment. |
Because you're so balanced, a simple tank that hugs your curves may be all you need to look great. A medium-sized strap and scoop neck will draw eyes to your great arms and shoulders--not to be ignored, since they're another plus to your body type. |
Vests are very trendy right now, but not everyone can pull them off--even hour glass figures, if they're a little soft in the tummy. If you're confident with all eyes on your middle however, a menswear vest (great over a tank) will look deliciously feminine over your crazy curves. |
Though a classic shirt dress is great for finding a waist on all figures, it may look too boyish on skinny minnies. Your full bust and hips, however, will make this simple shape look all woman. |
Break necks in a cocktail dress that hugs the line of your body and lifts and showcases your chest. The trick is finding a fabric thick enough to skim (as opposed to cling) without adding bulk. Skinny straps look lovely with your décolletée and shapely arms--just be sure that both they and the bust of the dress can give you the support you need. |
Finishing Touches
Whatever your shape is, you probably like to accessorise. Here's a quick guide to the icing on the cake.
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If you're lanky... Heavy jewellery | If you're curvy... Delicate drops--for earrings | If you're lanky... Skinny little heels | If you're curvy... Fuller bodies call for thicker heels; you'll look daintier by comparison. | If you're lanky... Skinny figures can pull off a funky, chunky scarf | If you're curvy... Fuller figures need a scarf that won't completely cover up--and cut off--their neck. |
External Links
- BBC.co.uk: BBC's What Not to Wear has plenty of foolproof advice on dressing your shape.